THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Il Piatto Restaurant Review

: A sister to chef-proprietor Matt Yohalem's Santa Fe, New Mexico, restaurant, Il Piatto is a favorite drop-in among its Uptown neighbors---a majority of the clientele in the intimate Creole cottage space on any given evening probably walked there. The prices for house-made pastas and crisp, fresh salads are beyond reasonable, and the quality of cooking has steadily increased since the restaurant's December 2003 opening. A recent visit uncovered quick-grilled calamari with shaved fennel and garlicky aïoli, plump ravioli with velveteen pumpkin centers, and a jiggle-y panna cotta touched with almond flavoring. Portions are such that two people wishing to taste from each menu category can comfortably split an appetizer, a pasta and a main course. The best entrée we've tried incorporates rosy slices of duck breast set over creamy polenta with poached fig jus and grilled radicchio. The wine list contains juicy Dolcettos and Barberas priced to match the rest of the meal.